TOKYO (AP) — The engine for a flagship new small Japanese rocket burst into flames Tuesday during a combustion test, but there was no injury or damage to the outside, officials said.
The second failure in a row raises concern about the progress of the Epsilon S rocket, whose debut is expected for next year.
The test was conducted inside of the restricted area at Japan's Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is investigating, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.
The fire was followed by an explosion and plumes of white smoke. Tuesday's failure comes just over a year after the explosion last year of the same Epsilon S engine during a test, according to JAXA.
Last year's explosion was related to damage to the ignition systems of the engine and JAXA has since taken the necessary steps, the agency has said.
“Development of flagship rockets such as Epsilon S is extremely important from the perspective of ensuring autonomy of Japan's space development,” Hayashi told reporters. “JAXA will thoroughly investigate and take steps.”
The Epsilon S rocket is meant to improve Japan's position in the growing satellite launch market and its debut flight was slated for early next year.
Japan's larger H3 rocket, failed in its debut launch in February 2023 but has since made three consecutive successful flights, most recently earlier in November.
Smoke and fire is seen during a combustion test of an engine for a new small Japanese rocket Epsilon S at Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)
Smoke billows during a combustion test of an engine for new small Japanese rocket Epsilon S at Tanegashima Space Center, Kagoshima prefecture, southern Japan, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)
LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Johni Broome scored on a putback with one second left to help No. 4 Auburn rally to an 83-81 win over No. 5 Iowa State in a Maui Invitational quarterfinal on Monday night.
Broome had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Chad Baker-Mazara had 16 of his 18 after halftime for the Tigers (5-0), who trailed by as many as 18 late in the first half.
Tahaad Pettiford added 14 points and Denver Jones and Miles Kelly added 12 each.
Keshon Gilbert scored 23 points to lead the Cyclones (3-1). Curtis Jones added 14 points, Dishon Jackson tallied 13 and Milan Momcilovic 12.
Iowa State led at the half, 49-33, but Auburn used an 18-2 run, capped by a Kelly 3-pointer, to pull even at 53 with 13:51 to play.
Auburn: Despite shooting just 10 of 26 from the field in the first half, the Tigers rallied by going 18 of 33 the rest of the way.
Iowa State: Conversely, the Cyclones converted 18 of their 31 field goals in the first 20 minutes but went only 7 of 22 in the second half.
Auburn tied it at 81 on a Kelly basket inside with 43 seconds remaining. Iowa State called timeout with 31 seconds left but turned it over to give the Tigers possession in the closing seconds. Denver Jones drove to the bucket but missed a layup before Broome tipped in the second chance.
Iowa State held a 17-14 rebound advantage at halftime but was outrebounded 21-10 the rest of the way.
Auburn will play No. 12 North Carolina in the semifinals on Tuesday, while Iowa State will play Dayton in the consolation bracket.
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Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey (3) steals the ball from Auburn guard Tahaad Pettiford, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Iowa State center Dishon Jackson (1) reacts after a dunk as Auburn guard Miles Kelly (13) and forward Chaney Johnson (31) look on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Auburn forward Johni Broome, second from right, makes the winning basket against Iowa State center Dishon Jackson (1) for an 83-81 win during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Auburn forward Johni Broome (4) reacts after scoring the winning basket against Iowa State for an 83-81 win in an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
